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mock

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adjective

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mock

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mock distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of mock are ape, copy, imitate, and mimic. While all these words mean "to make something so that it resembles an existing thing," mock usually implies imitation with derision.

mocking a vain man's pompous manner

When is ape a more appropriate choice than mock?

The synonyms ape and mock are sometimes interchangeable, but ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original.

American fashion designers aped their European colleagues

When would copy be a good substitute for mock?

While the synonyms copy and mock are close in meaning, copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible.

copied the painting and sold the fake as an original

Where would imitate be a reasonable alternative to mock?

Although the words imitate and mock have much in common, imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation.

imitate a poet's style

When is it sensible to use mimic instead of mock?

While in some cases nearly identical to mock, mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation.

pupils mimicking their teacher

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mock
Verb
The claim: Image shows Justin Trudeau post mocking Trump A Dec. 4 Threads post (direct link, archive link) shows a screenshot of what appears to be an X post from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024 In 2019, comedian Moses Storm mocked stand-ups who pander to algorithms in a Comedy Central set. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Himmelfarb’s final transformation comes in a mock crucifixion that occurs at the hands of his coworkers. Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 4 Dec. 2024 There will also be humor: The backside of the outer packaging is called The Daily Dump, a mock newspaper. Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
In the lead-up to Brett M. Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing, then-Sen. Harris — a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee — held a mock hearing with aides to prepare to question the conservative judge. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2024 International representation With basketball continuing to grow on a global scale, teams are increasingly turning their attention to overseas prospects, with the NBA’s consensus mock draft suggesting that at least four of the 14 lottery picks could be from outside the US. Sam Joseph, CNN, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for mock 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mock
Verb
  • The film clearly parodies Hollywood stereotypes and the movie-making process, blending humor with absurd situations.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Another creator parodied the TikToks of people blaming Younger for their kitchen woes, posing with a baking dish of uncooked pasta covered in flour.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Utzon’s lead role drastically changed in 1965, when Robert Askin, who had frequently ridiculed the project’s design, cost overruns, and delays, was elected as the new premier of New South Wales.
    Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024
  • But instead of reciprocating, Lila told him to get away from her and started ridiculing him.
    Krista Stevens, Longreads, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Since regaining control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the extremist group has intensified its oppression of women's rights: extensive censorship, mandatory male guardianship, and burqa/hijab dress-code enforcement that comes with severe penalties for disobeying.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Despite being threatened to be reported for disobeying his officer’s direct orders to stay sheltered in the ditch, Kohler kept running.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The look featured a cropped black faux fur coat with white details along the cuffs, collar and pockets.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
  • This Pillow Cover With a Metallic Design Made from faux leather, this pillow cover creates an abstract and modern look in every room.
    Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • And even worse than that, fake books that are literally empty inside.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The 10 electors have not been charged criminally related to the fake documents.
    Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Mulaney did a classic couch set on The Tonight Show (perhaps the most classic venue for a couch set) with new jokes about his son, his son’s emerging rockabilly tendencies, and his son’s hatred for Steely Dan.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Like many classic Spongebob jokes, the scene became a meme, often referenced and recreated online.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Whatever the case, a copy of Cocker’s Arithmetick found its way to Franklin around 1722, predating his first visit to England in 1724.
    James Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Consumers who take copies of the popular weight loss and diabetes drug tirzepatide will likely need to find a new source for these medications early next year.
    Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Life really does imitate art — and Jeremy Strong is here for it.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
  • During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump often mocked Macron, imitating his accent and threatening to impose steep tariffs on wine and champagne bottles shipped to the U.S. if France tried to tax American companies.
    SYLVIE CORBET, arkansasonline.com, 8 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near mock

Cite this Entry

“Mock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mock. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

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